YORhub’s annual client conference was held at Horizon in Leeds earlier this month and was a pronounced success, with attendees enjoying a day of engaging presentations and the opportunity to meet public sector peers and YORhub procurement professionals.

Over 90 invited delegates heard keynote speeches from industry experts, on subjects ranging from mental health and modern slavery, to net zero and digital construction . The conference was sponsored by a number of YORhub’s framework contractors, who were thanked for their generous support by YORhub Joint Chair of Operations, Steve Baker.

YORconsult Programme Manager, Gary Wright, and Framework Manager, Roy Ibbotson, gave an insight to YORconsult3, the latest professional services consultancy framework from YORhub.

YORconsult3 is a one stop shop to access high quality, construction-related consultancy services. YORconsult3 is built on 12 years experience of consultancy framework delivery and designed by the public sector, for the public sector. The framework is expected to be launched in December 2024.

Other keynote speeches came from Stephen Hunt, Director of Planning for East Riding of Yorkshire Council, who presented on the reform of the planning system and the implications for the public sector, and Peter Ware of Browne Jacobson LLP who discussed the key implications of the Procurement Act 2023.

In line with its social value ethos, YORhub intends to support a charity at future conferences and this year invited Leeds Foodbank to be the first to attend. Wendy Doyle & Barbara Tate came along to represent the charity and gave a short speech on the vital work it does. Part of the Trussell Trust, the foodbank helped feed 10,414 adults and 6,521 children in 2023/24, with demand for its services increasing on a daily basis. Conference attendees donated 106kg of foodstuffs which is the equivalent of 252 meals for local people in crisis, as well as online donations being made too.

After lunch, YORhub’s invited panel held a lively Q&A on the topic of “Market Trends in the North”, followed by further breakout sessions on building safety reforms and artificial intelligence.

The day concluded with our customary prize draw, with prizes kindly donated by two of our sponsors.